How Fragile These Moments
Virginia Salter

out in the darkness
a barking calls all to attention
night stands ready
with all it hides from one’s eyes

depth of blackness
lessened only by spots of light
in the distant sky
and a sliver of moon
passes by

a whistle’s heard
it’s the wind in the trees
a moan has stirred
I fall to my knees

a prayer on my lips
“Please keep me nigh
beneath your wings
as the villains vie.”

I rise to shut out the night
one door, then two
I quietly reach
just beyond my furtive steps
my eyes straining into the depth

of ebony that stares at me
from beyond the glow
that winks through kitchen window
onto just inches of lanai
how fragile my moments be

if only
you
were here with me

© August 26.  2000